Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for a cozy night in? Look no further! This ham hock slow cooker recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and incredible flavor, all with minimal effort. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming a humble ingredient into a truly satisfying and healthy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe is a winner for everyone. This recipe is one of the best recipes for achieving amazing results with minimal fuss. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 large smoked ham hock (about 2 lbs)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ham Hock: Rinse the ham hock under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures a cleaner flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Lay the ham hock on top of the vegetables.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the ham hock and vegetables, ensuring the ham hock is mostly submerged. Season with salt to taste.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the ham hock is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart.
- Shred the Ham: Once cooked, carefully remove the ham hock from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the meat from the bone, discarding the bone and any excess fat.
- Serve: Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the cooking liquid. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This makes a fantastic quick dinner idea!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the shredded ham hock over mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta.
- Use the flavorful cooking liquid as a base for soup or gravy.
- Add the shredded ham to salads, sandwiches, or tacos for a delicious and easy meal prep option.
Tips for the Best Ham Hock:
- Bone-in is best: Using a bone-in ham hock ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Don't overcook: While you want the ham hock to be very tender, overcooking can make it dry. Check for doneness around the 6-hour mark on low.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. A touch of smoked paprika adds a lovely depth.
Variations:
- Spicy Ham Hock: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
- Root Vegetable Ham Hock: Add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Consider adding some diced potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Cabbage Ham Hock: Add a head of cabbage, quartered, during the last hour of cooking for a delicious and healthy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-400 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low to Moderate (depending on sides)
This slow cooker ham hock recipe is a testament to the power of simple, delicious food. It’s a perfect example of easy recipes that yield big flavor, making it a staple in your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!